Victor Harbor paramedics are burnt out and have needed additional resources for years according to Lou Nicholson, an independent candidate for the state seat of Finniss. 

She says the family of a Victor Harbor paramedic are speaking out as post-traumatic stress disorder impacts a once bright and confident front-line worker who currently feels that she can’t go back on the road. 

“Crissy Roberts is the daughter of a paramedic from the Victor Harbor Ambulance Station and has watched over the years as her Mum has battled an ever-increasing workload.“

She says Crissy reached out to her to tell of the enormous burden on her Mum, family and wider paramedic community that the neglect of our local ambulance station has caused.  

“I have had so many people express concern about our ambulance service here in Finniss. 

“Our paramedics are facing burn out due to a lack of time and resources to meet the needs of our community,” Ms Nicholson says. 

“Victor Harbor alone had a 35 per cent increase in population from 2001 to 2016 and our paramedics have had to keep up with no additional resources.” 

The state government has committed an extra 74 ambulance officers for South Australia following recent industrial action by the Ambulance Employees Association.

Lou Nicholson says this is only a start to addressing the complex issue. 

“It is fair to call this a crisis, I have heard directly from paramedics that deaths have occurred due to delays in ambulance services. 

“Up to 24 of the additional paramedics promised have been allocated to country stations but I have been informed Victor Harbor will get none. Where is our state MP on this?”

The next state election will be held in March 2022.

Minister for Primary Industries David Basham holds the seat of Finniss for the Liberal Party.

Lou Nicholson’s Finniss to the Front campaign aims to raise local issues and speak up to ensure the state government is aware of the needs of the Finniss electorate. 

Other parties and independent candidates are yet to declare their intentions.